SAN FRANCISCO — For Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the fate of president/general manager Bob Myers is the key to the franchise’s offseason.
Myers’ contract is set to expire at the end of June and it sounds like the architect of the dynasty is still waiting to make his decision. He is expected to meet with reporters early next week, as he is currently in Chicago doing homework before the upcoming NBA Draft on June 22, when the Warriors will hold the No. 19 overall pick.
During his end-of-season press conference with the local media on Tuesday, Kerr said Myers’ contract situation is the top priority for the franchise.
“Our organization has a lot to sort through this summer,” Kerr said, “Right now Bob's contract situation is number one because that influences a lot of the player decisions that have to be made, contracts, draft, free agency.”
Myers took over as general manager in 2012 and struck gold in his first draft, selecting Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli. Andre Iguodala’s recruitment in 2013 wouldn’t have been possible without Myers, who has since become a trusted sounding board for players.
Myers’ relationship with Draymond was on display throughout the playoffs, as Myers came down to calm him down during the middle of a game or would be in communication with the bench.
“Bob is such an important part of our organization,” Kerr said. “Not only as one of the faces of the organization, out there in the NBA world meeting with other executives and agents and representing us in that regard, but also with his relationships with other players. He's got such credibility with our guys.
“There's so much history there. The continuity that exists between Bob and the older players means that he can have those difficult conversations, and sometimes even during games, which is pretty rare, but something that has been a huge help for me.”
If the Warriors want to keep the gang together, they might have to exceed a $500 million payroll.
When it comes to asking for money, no one probably has the ear of Lacob more than Myers, whose fingerprints are all over the four titles the past nine years.
Golden State has a lot to figure out this summer, like if they want to trade Jordan Poole or Jonathan Kuminga to get a more sure-fire impact player. Myers would also be a valuable negotiator as Draymond seeks an extension and Klay Thompson enters the final year of his deal in 2023-24.
Even with all that’s left to be done, Kerr acknowledges that Myers could leave on his own terms.
“Bob and I have a great friendship, a great working relationship, and I absolutely hope he comes back,” Kerr said. “But it's also a case where I want what's best for Bob, and if he decides that he's going to leave, of course I'm going to support him 100 percent, and we will remain friends for a long time. I would miss him, but I support him regardless of what he does.”
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